Sonam Wangchuk Begins Indefinite Hunger Strike at Jantar Mantar, Demands Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation Over NEET Row
- By Thetripurapost Desk, New Delhi
- Jun 28, 2026
- 158
Renowned Ladakh-based activist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk (SECMOL) on Sunday commenced an indefinite hunger strike at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar, escalating the ongoing agitation against alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and the CBSE system.
The protest, led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), entered its ninth day on Sunday. Demonstrators have been demanding the resignation of Union Minister (Ministry of Education) Dharmendra Pradhan since June 20, alleging serious lapses in the country's examination system.
As Wangchuk began his fast, hundreds of students, activists and supporters gathered at Jantar Mantar to express solidarity. Several farmer leaders also joined the demonstration, lending further momentum to the protest movement.
Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi Before Beginning Fast
Prior to launching the indefinite fast, Sonam Wangchuk and CJP founder Abhijit Dipke visited Rajghat and paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi, emphasizing the movement's commitment to peaceful and democratic protest.
Dipke reiterated that the agitation would continue until Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan steps down from office.
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Wangchuk's Previous Detention Under NSA
Wangchuk had earlier spearheaded a campaign seeking full statehood and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh. Following violent clashes in Leh on September 24, 2025, in which four people lost their lives and nearly 90 others were injured, authorities accused Wangchuk of provoking unrest.
Two days later, he was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) and shifted to Jodhpur, where he reportedly remained in custody for nearly 170 days before being released in March this year.
Dharmendra Pradhan Accuses 'Education Mafia'
In an interview with NDTV on June 23, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan alleged that certain groups were attempting to destabilize India's education system.
Pradhan stated that elements including coaching centres and the so-called "education mafia" were under government scrutiny and warned that strict action would be taken against anyone found compromising students' futures.
The minister further claimed that anti-system forces had been identified and would not be allowed to undermine democratic institutions.
CJP Founder Hits Back at Minister
Responding on social media platform X, CJP founder Abhijit Dipke criticized the minister's remarks, questioning why protesting students and taxpayers were allegedly being branded as extremists.
Also Read: Tripura Congress Demands Action Against CRPF Officer Over Alleged Lathi Charge During NEET Protest
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Dipke also questioned the government's ability to maintain confidentiality in the NEET examination process, arguing that stronger safeguards could have prevented the controversy and its alleged consequences for students.
In another social media post, he accused the Union Education Minister of failing to adequately address the concerns arising from the examination controversy.
How the Cockroach Janata Party Was Formed
The Cockroach Janata Party was launched on May 16, a day after comments reportedly made by Chief Justice Surya Kant during a court hearing sparked widespread debate on social media.
US-based digital media strategist Abhijit Dipke subsequently launched the political platform and established its online presence. On May 22, he initiated an online petition demanding Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, which reportedly attracted support from more than 800,000 people.
According to party claims, the CJP's social media reach has expanded rapidly, with its Instagram following surpassing that of several mainstream political parties.
Who is Abhijit Dipke?
Thirty-year-old Abhijit Dipke hails from Sambhaji Nagar in Maharashtra and works as a digital media strategist. A journalism graduate from Pune, Dipke is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Public Relations at Boston University in the United States.
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